Ejection Fraction

ef

by Tracey_E - 2019-07-23 10:44:23

Have you considered switching doctors? Not all doctors are a good fit for all patients. People can live with afib and be asymptomatic, but others do feel it. If you don't feel your doctor is communicating, if you think you can feel better, go get another opinion. Find a separate practice, another doctor in the same practice is going to agree with whatever you've been told. 

Tracy_E

by Ellen - 2019-07-23 12:51:01

Thank-you Tracy.  It's hard to find a good cardiologist here.  But I will keep on searching.

Not good

by Gotrhythm - 2019-07-23 15:47:22

I re-read your previous post on this subject.

The situation with this doctor is not good--and you know it. You don't trust him and you know why you don't trust him. What else do you need to know?

I totally understand wanting a cardiologist where you are, and being reluctant to go doctor-shopping. Been there, done that---but let's be clear. If this doctor is wrong in his assessment and something bad happens to you, he'll probably be real sorry to lose you. Nevertheless, he will wake up the next morning and go about his life. Will you? 

My husband died of a heart procedure that shouldn't have been done. That's when I realized who has the most to lose if the doctor is wrong.

It's your life that's on the line. It's your well-being that could be compromised.

Is there some reason you can't return to Johns Hopkins?

consider changing

by islandgirl - 2019-07-23 18:23:09

I would highly recommend changing drs and pursuing a 2nd opinion.  Afib is a rhythm disorder, so I would pursue an electrophysiologist. Afib, as well as other arrhythmias, damage your heart over time.  If you're in constant afib, I believe the chance for terminating it through ablation is unlikely.  The EPs should be members of the heart rhythm assoc.  You can go to heart rhythm website and see if there are any EPS in your area.  I ended up going to 2 EPs before I found the 3rd one that I felt fulfilled my requirements and expectations, and I've been going to my present EP for 21 years.  

Permanent A-Fib

by bgarza - 2019-07-23 22:45:18

I have permanent a-fib and my EP said no more ablations for me ( 2 ablations and 1 cardioversion). I still work and my life is pretty normal. Metropolol (because I have a pacer my heartrate only lowers to 60) and Eliquis (blood thinner). My biggest issue is making sure I get enough rest and don't over exert myself. I also get alot of support thru Facebook Atrial Fibrillation Support Forum. 

Time for a new team

by AgentX86 - 2019-07-23 22:45:54

I agree with the others.  Clearly what they're doing isn't working so it's time to find a team who will help you.  Afib shouldn't damage your heart further as long as it's under control.  Cardiomyopathy (what it sounds like you're fighting) is caused by extended periods of tachycardia.  That has to be controlled.  You still could feel like crap because of the AF but controlling your heart rate must be a priority (along with anticoagulation). After that, quality of life is the next step.  You really do need an electrophysiologist to treat you.  A good one.

finding a new doctor

by Tracey_E - 2019-07-24 10:18:48

If there isn't one local, it would be worth it to travel. Your health is worth it. 

PIck your poison or the lesser of two evils...

by BOBTHOM - 2019-07-25 22:13:52

Traveling can sound like a good option, and as long as your able to travel and can schedule your emergency visits that's fine.  But what happens when you go to the ER, it's the same local dr that will end up treating you or treating you based on notes from the local dr.  Also, sometimes it's too hard to travel two hours for a scheduled appointment.  I'm dealing with that now with vascular surgeons. 

Ejection Fraction

by Ellen - 2019-07-26 12:03:43

I don't think I have angina.  I have a chest pain every once in a while for about 15 seconds and then it's gone and don't have another for the longest time.  It could be gas.  LOL!  I do have palpitations every now and then--especially when I drink iced tea.  I don't drink that much of it.  Again I am 100% pacemaker dependent, take Coumadin, (not warfarin as I break out in blood blisters with it), and test my INR every week at home test.  Every 3 months I have blood drawn and tested.  I have 3 leads in my heart.  2 in ventricles and 1 in atrium but it's turned off for now.  My CRT-P was implanted at George Washington University Hospital by Dr. Cynthia Tracy and Dr. Mercader.  She is Dick Chaney's doctor.  She trained Dr. Mercader.  Again, an  electrophysiologist at Johns Hopkins said I cannot have an ablation-it would probably kill me.  I have electrical and plumbing issues both.  The only thing he said we could maybe try is for me to be hospitalized for 4 days or so and take Amiadorone-they would have to watch closely as this could do the opposite and kill me.  I have terrible side effects and reactions to a lot of meds.  I moved from Maryland to the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania.